PTCB is known for expertise in certification program standards and practices. When test publishers gather at the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) Innovations Conference in February, they will have a chance to hear from PTCB experts at three sessions. PTCB’s Associate Director of Psychometrics, Xiaohui (Dawn) Zhao, PhD, and Associate Director of Test Development, Tina Chang, MS, will share their insights on a series of test development, psychometrics, and accreditation topics.

Job Analysis First, they will present a session on how to strategically plan a job analysis, and its importance in achieving maximum benefit using limited resources. A case study will be included to enhance their presentation.

Blueprint Development They will lead a second session on creating a certification program based on a heterogeneous worker population, employed in various practice settings -- including community, health-system, and others -- with standardized universally-applicable exam content. This session will cover details of planning strategies for completing a final PTCE test blueprint. “PTCB’s end goal in developing our program,” said Dr. Zhao, “is to create a test blueprint with universal, shared knowledge for all practice settings.”

Accreditation Standards Third, Dr. Zhao will be joined by Linda Anguish, the Director of Accreditation Services of Institute of Credentialing Excellence, and David Nelson, PhD, Program Director of International Accreditation Services, to compare the NCCA and ISO/IEC 17024 Standards to discuss third-party accreditation. “Third-party accreditation is a hot topic for professional licensure exams,” said Dr. Zhao. “This session will offer a roadmap for US Personnel Certification Bodies seeking third-party accreditation of their certification programs, and compare the two dominant standards from many perspectives, including origin, goals, structure, and other attributes.”